Welcome to Partnology’s Biotech Leader Spotlight Series, where we highlight the remarkable accomplishments and visionary leadership of biotech industry pioneers. This series is about showcasing the groundbreaking strides made by exceptional leaders who have transformed scientific possibilities into tangible realities. Through insightful interviews, we invite you to join us in following the inspiring journeys of these executives who continue to shape the landscape of the biotech industry. This week we are recognizing:
Krishna Allamneni is the Chief Development Officer at Concarlo Therapeutics and a seasoned biopharma R&D leader who also volunteers as a strategic advisor to startups through initiatives such as California Life Sciences FAST program. With expertise in advancing therapeutic candidates across multiple modalities, Dr. Allamneni has successfully led nonclinical development modules for 25+ IND/IMPD submissions and secured 7 drug approvals in the US and a handful of global marketing licenses. A forward-thinking leader in early pharmaceutical development strategy, Dr. Allamneni is also a highly regarded operational manager, driving tactical planning and expedient execution for critical R&D functions. Her global regulatory experience includes impactful collaborations with health authorities across North America, Europe, and Australia. Prior to Concarlo, she held leadership roles at companies such as Turning Point Therapeutics, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Celera Genomics, Genentech/Roche and others.
Walk me through your career, noting some of the most pivotal moments or decisions throughout:
My journey into biotech began early, with a strong interest in STEM fostered by my upbringing. As the daughter of a pharmacist, science and medicine were part of my everyday vocabulary. Initially, I aimed for medical school, but after facing challenges with entrance exams, I pivoted to veterinary school. I earned a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in India, which opened doors to research institutions in the United States, eventually leading me to pharmacology and toxicology.
I pursued my Master’s and PhD in pharmacology and toxicology at UC Davis, which fueled my passion for drug development. Early roles at Celera Genomics, Genentech, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals shaped my career, where I led cross-functional teams and helped guide over 25 discovery programs into clinical stages. One of the most significant moments was leading the nonclinical submission of an NDA for Defitelio, a life-saving treatment for a rare complication of bone marrow transplant, which marked my first major drug approval.
Another turning point was my decision to join Concarlo Therapeutics, a seed stage startup, as Chief Development Officer. This role expanded my strategic leadership and exposure to the fundraising aspects of startups as we continue to work on pioneering therapies targeting p27, a novel first-in-class therapeutic approach. Partnering with the founder/CEO has been incredible, and it remains a tremendously fulfilling aspect of my role as I apply my industry experience in advancing this novel program towards clinical trials.
Could you expand on the programs you’ve worked on, maybe highlighting those you are most proud of or passionate about?
One of the most impactful programs I’ve worked on was my first NDA submission. This experience underscored the importance of innovation and differentiation throughout the drug development lifecycle, from early research through to securing market access and Medicare coverage. This insight has been instrumental in guiding startup founders to prioritize innovation at every stage.
Another milestone was the fruition of my efforts to execute on a concept to resolve a critical supply shortage by blending biosimilarity concepts with small molecule post-marketing changes, which enabled regulatory flexibility. This innovative approach ensured continuous patient access to treatment, an experience I’m incredibly proud of.
More recently, my chaperoning of two key nonclinical assets of a macrocyclic platform through IND clearance was pivotal in securing follow-on funding and positioning the company for its $4.6 billion acquisition by BMS. Each project I’ve led, across oncology, CNS, cardio-metabolic, and autoimmune diseases, has fueled my passion for bringing scientific breakthroughs to patients. I continue to apply these insights in my role at Concarlo Therapeutics and in my volunteer work within the San Diego biotech ecosystem.
Tell me more about Concarlo Therapeutics – what are you currently working on?
At Concarlo Therapeutics, we’re focused on developing therapies to address critical unmet needs for patients whose tumors have developed resistance to high-value drugs on the market like CDK4/6 inhibitors (Kisqali, Verzenio, Ibrance) and CDK2 inhibitors are currently being developed clinically. Our lead program targets the novel p27 protein, a key regulator of the cell cycle, with the potential to suppress cancer growth and overcome drug resistance. This could change the landscape for treatment strategies, particularly in breast cancer, and later expand to other cancers where p27 plays a pivotal role.
As Chief Development Officer, I oversee preclinical and non-clinical R&D, chemistry, manufacturing, control, and pipeline management. I’m responsible for driving operational strategies that move these therapies closer to clinical trials. It’s an exciting and impactful journey to be part of, and I’m proud to lead Concarlo’s efforts to bring breakthrough therapies to patients in need.
You’re an active biotech advisor and thought leader – could you expand more on those experiences, maybe highlighting advisory work you’re particularly passionate about?
I’ve had the honor of advising several biotech startups throughout San Diego and California. Through roles with California Life Sciences’ FAST program and organizations like HomeLab UCSD, Founders Corner VC, and Connect San Diego, I get to mentor life science entrepreneurs, helping them refine their strategic direction, business models, and long-term plans.
My experience in drug development and operational management allows me to guide founders on regulatory and investor expectations while keeping patient needs at the forefront. One area I’m especially passionate about is supporting academic startup founders—helping them translate scientific discoveries into viable therapies. It’s a privilege to work alongside these brilliant innovators and contribute to the growth of our biotech ecosystem.
I’ve also taken an interest in corporate board roles and graduated from the Boardroom Ready program, which enhances my ability to advise at the C-suite level and shape the next generation of biotech companies. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a community where we’re constantly driving the next wave of life-saving innovations.
What do you see as the most promising technologies in biotech over the next 5-10 years?
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery is set to transform the industry. AI-guided lead selection has the potential to accelerate timelines by addressing critical hit-to-lead attrition.
Molecular glues and targeted protein degradation are also game-changers for small molecules, which remain a key therapeutic modality. At Concarlo Therapeutics, our p27 inhibitor stabilizes the cyclin-CDK complex, acting like a molecular glue.
These innovations will lead to more targeted and highly effective therapies with fewer side effects, and we’re only scratching the surface of their potential.
With the experience and insights you have gained, what advice would you give to young people aspiring to work in the biotech industry?
Start by gaining hands-on experience through projects, internships, and fellowships—learning by doing is crucial. Build a diverse network of mentors—your own “Board of Directors”—to guide you on strategic, tactical, and operational matters as well as professional development.
Stay adaptable and resilient, as drug discovery and development are high-risk fields with frequent setbacks. Understand both the science and the commercial side, because an approved drug must be innovative and well differentiated to have market accessibility and commercial viability to truly make a difference in the lives of all addressable patients.
